Mooloolaba 4.5 star resort proposal recommended for council approval

A $50m resort proposal that would significantly change Mooloolaba’s skyline is a step closer after gaining support from independent assessors ahead of a crucial council vote.

Mooloolaba’s tourism accommodation options are set for a shake-up with a 4.5 star resort proposal at a key site recommended for approval despite criticism of its design.

Sunshine Coast Council will next week vote on KPAT’s $50m resort bid that would transform the council-owned Brisbane Rd car park with a 45m tower development.

The project would feature a 182-room resort as well as a rooftop bar and restaurant.

The Brisbane Rd site has a controversial history with discussions about the future use and redevelopment of the carpark dating back to 1998.

Previous development plans for a $175m car park, hotel, retirement facility and retail failed after developer Abacus withdrew from negotiations for a deal with the council in 2018.

The council then divided the Brisbane Rd car park lots into two for separate developments, with the council completing a seven-storey car park on the adjoining block.

In mid-2020 council endorsed KPAT Asset Management Pty Ltd to buy and develop the land with proceeds to help offset the cost of the $21m multideck carpark.

KPAT lodged a development application in September, 2021 for its 13-storey development.

Project director Kenneth Wagner said he was excited to see the project progress but declined to comment further until after the council’s decision.

Kenneth Wagner. Picture: Kevin Farmer

Ethos Urban completed an independent assessment of the proposal, due to council’s involvement, and recommended the council approve it with 186 conditions.

Associate director Ashley Everton said the proposal complied with the planning scheme.

Mr Everton said it did not raise issues that could not be addressed through relevant conditions.

Gomango Architects completed an independent urban design assessment with director Phil Smith raising concerns about KPAT’s proposal.

Mr Smith questioned if the designs were unique enough to fit the expectations for a “landmark” building.

“By my assessment, although the design is well considered and of a reasonably high local design standard, the proposed design framework lacks of unique design ideas or a clear story that reflects the local setting (and not universal coastal themes of waves, sails, etc),” he said in his report.

Mr Smith said while the architectural design work was “competent” and provided a solid foundation, he recommended a condition on further assessment on future design work on the project.

The project would have a three-storey podium with a public plaza, restaurant and bar on the ground floor and levels one and two proposed for carparking.

The hotel towers would feature a gym, indoor pool as well as rooftop bars and other function facilities.

The proposal is on the council’s agenda for its March meeting scheduled for Thursday, March 24.